Image Forming Device Creating A Preview Image

ABSTRACT

An image forming device may be provided with a setting data storage device, a preview image creation device, and an output device. The setting data storage device may be capable of storing a plurality of patterns of setting data. The preview image creation device may create, for each pattern of setting data stored in the setting data storage device, a preview image to which the pattern of setting data is reflected. The output device may output the plurality of preview images created by the preview image creation device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/078,248, filed on Mar. 28, 2008, which claims priority to JapanesePatent Application No. 2007-091334, filed on Mar. 30, 2007, the contentsof which are each hereby incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technique for creating a previewimage and providing it to a user. One technique taught by the presentspecification is a scanner that creates a preview image by executing apre-scan upon a document.

2. Description of the Related Art

Scanners are known that, prior to executing a precise scan upon adocument, execute a pre-scan upon the document and display a previewimage. For example, this type of scanner is taught in Japanese PatentApplication No. 2001-45239. By looking at the preview image prior toexecuting the precise scan, the user can ascertain in advance what typeof scan data will be created by the precise scan. For example, the usercan learn from the preview image that the document has been setobliquely, and can set the document straight prior to executing theprecise scan.

The user can input scan setting data to the scanner for executing theprecise scan. The scan setting data has a plurality of types of settingitems. For example, the following setting items may be present: colorfor executing the precise scan (color, black and white, gray, etc.), anddata format (JPEG, PDF, etc.). Further, the following setting item mayfor example be present: resolution for executing the precise scan. Thepre-scan is normally executed with a lower resolution than theresolution of the scan setting data because displaying a comparativelylow resolution preview image is sufficient for ascertaining the type ofscan data in advance. After looking at the preview image, the user caninput an operation to the scanner for executing the precise scan. Thescanner thus executes the precise scan in accordance with the scansetting data that it is storing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The scanner of the above document is capable of storing only one patternof scan setting data. In this case, when the scan setting data is to bechanged from the previous time scanning was executed, and scanning isthen to be executed, the user must re-input each setting item of thescan setting data to the scanner. The present inventor is thinking ofrealizing a scanner capable of storing a plurality of patterns of scansetting data so that the scan setting data does not have to be inputeach time scanning is executed. By realizing this configuration, theuser can select one pattern out of the plurality of patterns of scansetting data stored in the scanner, and does not have to input the scansetting data each time scanning is executed. However, in the case wherea method is to be adopted for the user to select the scan setting dataout of the plurality of patterns of scan setting data stored in thescanner, it is preferable to provide the contents of each pattern ofscan setting data to the user.

A technique is taught in the present specification for providing theuser with the contents of each of the plurality of patterns of settingdata. The present inventor discovered that it is possible to provide theuser with the contents of the patterns of setting data by utilizing apreview image. The technique taught in the present specification hasbeen created based on this concept, and has the following configuration.The technique taught in the present specification may be expressed as animage forming device. The technique taught in the present specificationmay also be expressed as a computer readable medium for a computer. Inthis case, the computer may be a computer mounted on an image formingdevice, and may also be a computer to be connected with an image formingdevice in a communicable manner.

The technique taught in the present specification is capable of beingexpressed as an image forming device for forming an image in accordancewith setting data. The image forming device may comprise a setting datastorage device, a preview image creation device, and an output device.The setting data storage device may be capable of storing a plurality ofpatterns of setting data. The preview image creation device may create,for each pattern of setting data stored in the setting data storagedevice, a preview image to which the pattern of setting data isreflected. The output device may output the plurality of preview imagescreated by the preview image creation device. The image forming devicemay for example be a scanner. In this case, the setting data storagedevice may store a plurality of patterns of scan setting data. Thepreview image creation device may create, for each pattern of scansetting data stored in the setting data storage device, a preview imageto which the pattern of scan setting data is reflected. Alternatively,the image forming device may for example be a printer. In this case, thesetting data storage device may store a plurality of patterns of printsetting data. The preview image creation device may create, for eachpattern of print setting data stored in the setting data storage device,a preview image to which the pattern of print setting data is reflected.With this technique, the contents of the plurality of patterns ofsetting data stored in the image forming device can be provided to theuser.

Furthermore, there is no particular restriction on the type of settingitem that constitutes the setting data. For example, in the case of ascanner, the “scan setting data” may be constituted by any or aplurality of setting items such as resolution, data format of the scandata (JPEG, PDF, TIFF, etc.), and a setting item relating to color(color, black and white, gray, etc.). Moreover, the setting data storagedevice need not be housed in a main body of the image forming device.That is, an information processing device configured separately from themain body of the image forming device may comprise the setting datastorage device. In this case, the image forming device taught in thepresent specification is realized by the main body of the image formingdevice and the information processing device.

The term “preview image to which the pattern of setting data isreflected” means a preview image to which at least one setting item ofthe setting data is reflected. For example, in the case where twosetting items (for example, resolution and data format) are present inthe setting data, the preview image may have only the resolutionreflected thereto, may have only the data format reflected thereto, ormay have both reflected thereto.

Further, the term “output” should be interpreted in its broadest sense,and includes displaying on a display device, printing, sending previewimage data to another device, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a multi-function device system.

FIG. 2 shows an example of stored contents of a folder storage area.

FIG. 3 shows a subordinate file of a “scanner” folder.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a scan setting window.

FIG. 5 shows a subordinate file of a “scanner” folder.

FIG. 6 shows how a “color 600 dpi” file is copied to another location.

FIG. 7 shows a table of correspondences between operations performed ona PC and commands.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a main process of the multi-functiondevice.

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of a PROPFIND process.

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of a GET process.

FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of a POST process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Embodiments

The present embodiment will be described with reference to figures. FIG.1 shows the configuration of a multi-function device system 2 of thepresent embodiment. The multi-function device system 2 comprises apersonal computer (termed PC below) 10, a multi-function device 40, etc.The configuration of the PC 10 and the multi-function device 40 willeach be described in sequence below.

Configuration of PC

The PC 10 comprises an operation device 12, a display device 14, acontroller 16, a network interface 24, etc. The operation device 12consists of a keyboard and a mouse. The display device 14 consists of aliquid crystal display. The controller 16 comprises a CPU 18, a programstorage area 20, and another storage area 22. The CPU 18 executesprocesses in accordance with various programs stored in the programstorage area 20. The program storage area 20 stores various programs. AnOS of the PC 10 of the present embodiment is described below usingWindows (registered trademark) of the Microsoft corporation as anexample. Windows (registered trademark) supports the WebDAV protocol. Asa result, a program for executing a communication process utilizing theWebDAV protocol is stored in the program storage area 20. Moreover,although Windows (registered trademark), which is widely-known as an OSfor PCs, is being utilized in the present embodiment, another type of OSmay be utilized. In this case, a file sharing protocol other than theWebDAV protocol may be utilized. The other storage area 22 is capable ofstoring various data created during the processes executed by the CPU18. The network interface 24 is connected to the multi-function device40. The PC 10 is capable of communicating with the multi-function device40 via the network interface 24. The PC 10 is capable of communicatingwith the multi-function device 40 utilizing the WebDAV protocol.Moreover, the PC 10 and the multi-function device 40 may be connected bythe internet, or may be connected by a local area network.

Configuration of Multi-Function Device

The multi-function device 40 comprises an operation device 42, a displaydevice 44, a print device 46, a scan device 48, a document tray 50, acontroller 52, a network interface 64, etc. The operation device 42 hasa plurality of keys. The display device 44 is capable of displayinginformation. The print device 46 is capable of printing on paper inaccordance with print data. The print data may be sent from theexterior. Further, the print device 46 is capable of printing on paperin accordance with scan data created by the scan device 48 (to bedescribed). That is, the multi-function device 40 is capable ofrealizing a copy function. The scan device 48 scans a document mountedin the document tray 50, and creates scan data. The controller 52comprises a CPU 54, a program storage area 56, a folder storage area 60,and another storage area 62, etc. The CPU 54 executes processes inaccordance with various programs stored in the program storage area 56.The program storage area 56 stores various programs. A program forexecuting a communication process utilizing the WebDAV protocol isstored in the program storage area 56.

The folder storage area 60 stores data. The PC 10 is capable ofaccessing the stored contents of the folder storage area 60. FIG. 2shows an example of the stored contents of the folder storage area 60.The folder storage area 60 stores a plurality of folders (and files)that have a hierarchical structure. Top folders stored in the folderstorage area 60 are a folder 80 and a folder 90. The folder 80 has afolder address (folder name) “printer”. The folder 90 has a folderaddress (folder name) “scanner”.

Files 92, 102, 112, 122, etc. exist as subordinate files of the folder90. The setting window file 92 is an association of a file address (filename) 94 “settings.html” and setting window data 96. The specificcontents of the setting window data 96 will be described later. Asdescribed above, the setting window file 92 is a subordinate file of thefolder 90. As a result, the actual file address 94 has the folderaddress “scanner” of the folder 90 as its superior address. That is, theactual file address 94 is “scanner/settings.html”. However, in thepresent embodiment, the file address 94 may simply be described as“settings.html”. Below, as well, folder addresses and file addresses maybe described in a format in which the superior address is omitted.

The thumbnail image files 102, 112, and 122 have a data configurationdiffering from that of the setting window file 92. The thumbnail imagefile 102 is an association of a file address 104 “color 100dpi.jpg”,thumbnail image data 106, and scan setting data 108. The specificcontents of the thumbnail image data 106 and the scan setting data 108will be described later. The thumbnail image file 112 is an associationof a file address 114 “color 300dpi.jpg”, thumbnail image data 116, andscan setting data 118. The thumbnail image file 122 is an association ofa file address 124 “color 600dpi.jpg”, thumbnail image data 126, andscan setting data 128.

The storage area 62 shown in FIG. 1 is capable of storing data createdwhile processes are executed by the CPU 54. The contents of the datastored in the storage area 62 will be described below as this becomesnecessary. The network interface 64 is connected to the PC 10. Themulti-function device 40 is capable of communicating with the PC 10 viathe network interface 64. The multi-function device 40 is capable ofcommunicating with the PC 10 utilizing the WebDAV protocol.

User Operations and Data Displayed by PC

Next, operations that the user can execute on the PC 10 and datadisplayed by the PC 10 will be described. Moreover, objects (describedbelow) are displayed on the PC 10 by communicating various commands andresponses between the PC 10 and the multi-function device 40. Below, thecontents of data displayed on the PC 10 will be described first, andthen the commands and responses will be described. FIG. 3 shows anexample of a window 200 displayed by the display device 14 of the PC 10.Moreover, FIG. 3 is based on Explorer (file management software)included in Windows (registered trademark) of the Microsoft corporation.A device object 202 displayed in the window 200 corresponds to themulti-function device 40. The PC 10 is capable of searching for devicespresent on the network that are connected to this PC 10. As a result,the PC 10 can know that the multi-function device 40 is present, and candisplay the device object 202.

The user can operate the mouse of the operation device 12 (see FIG. 1)to double click on the device object 202. Folder objects 204 and 206 arethus displayed in the window 200. The folder objects 204 and 206correspond to the top folders stored in the folder storage area 60 (seeFIG. 2) of the multi-function device 40. That is, the folder object 204corresponds to the folder 80, and the folder object 206 corresponds tothe folder 90. The user can double click on the folder object 206. As aresult, a file object 92 a is displayed in a display area 206 a thatrefers to the contents of the folder object 206. The file object 92 acorresponds to the setting window file 92 (see FIG. 2). The file object92 a has the address (file name) 94 “settings.html”.

The user can double click on the file object 92 a, whereby a scansetting window 150 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. The scan setting window150 comprises a plurality of setting items (file format 152, resolution154, and color number 156).

The file format 152 is a setting item for designating the data format ofthe scan data (bitmap, JPEG, etc.). The user can designate the desireddata format. By operating the mouse of the operation device 12 (see FIG.1), the user can click on a check box 170 that corresponds to thedesired data format. In this case, a check is displayed in the check box170. The data format is thus designated. Further, the user can deletethe check (designation) by clicking on the check that is being displayedin the check box 170. Although only one data format (JPEG) of the fileformat 152 is designated in the example of FIG. 4, the user candesignate a plurality of data formats. The resolution 154 is a settingitem for designating the scanning resolution. The user can designate thedesired scanning resolution (one scanning resolution or a plurality ofscanning resolutions). The color number 156 is a setting item fordesignating the color of the scan data. The user can designate thedesired color (or plurality of colors) from among black and white, gray,color, etc.

The scan setting window 150 comprises an OK button 180. The user canoperate the mouse of the operation device 12 (see FIG. 1) to click onthe OK button 180. Data representing the contents designated by the userare thus sent to the multi-function device 40. The scan setting data isthus stored in the multi-function device 40. A plurality of patterns ofscan setting data has been designated by the user in the example of FIG.4. That is, one selection has been made for the file format 152, threeselections have been made for the resolution 154, and two selectionshave been made for the color number 156. As a result, six patterns ofscan setting data (1×3×2) have been designated by the user.Consequently, the multi-function device 40 stores six patterns of scansetting data. The plurality of patterns of scan setting data are storedas the setting window data 96 (shown in FIG. 2) in the folder storagearea 60. Further, the thumbnail image files 102, 112, 114, etc. shown inFIG. 2 correspond to one pattern of scan setting data. As a result, inthe case where there are six patterns of scan setting data, sixthumbnail image files 102, 112, 114, etc. are created. This point willbe described in detail below.

After designating the scan setting data in the scan setting window 150,the user can double click on the folder object 206 (see FIG. 3). In thiscase, as shown in FIG. 5, file objects 102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc. thatrefer to subordinate files of the folder object 206 are displayed.Moreover, like FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is based on Explorer (file managementsoftware) included in Windows (registered trademark) of the Microsoftcorporation. The file object 102 a corresponds to the thumbnail imagefile 102 (see FIG. 2). The file object 102 a has the file address 104“color 100dpi.jpg”. The displayed contents of the file object 102 adepend on the contents of the thumbnail image data 106. Although thiswill be described in detail later, the thumbnail image data 106 of thethumbnail image file 102 depends on the contents of the scan settingdata 108 of the file 102. As a result, the displayed contents of thefile object 102 a reflect the contents of the scan setting data 108.

The file object 112 a corresponds to the thumbnail image file 112. Thedisplayed contents of the file object 112 a reflect the contents of thescan setting data 118. Further, the file object 122 a corresponds to thethumbnail image file 122. The displayed contents of the file object 122a reflect the contents of the scan setting data 128. Moreover, thumbnailimage files corresponding to other file objects that are not numbered inFIG. 5 (for example, “mono 100dpi.jpg”, etc.) have been omitted in FIG.2.

After designating the scan setting data in the scan setting window 150,the user can again double click on the file object 92 a (see FIG. 5). Inthis case, the scan setting window 150 (see FIG. 4) is displayed that isreflecting the scan setting data that was input earlier. For example, inthe case where the check box 170 corresponding to JPEG was checkedearlier, the scan setting window 150 is displayed in the format that waschecked in the check box 170. The user can change the scan setting datain the scan setting window 150. That is, the check in the check box 170can be deleted, and another check box can be checked. After changing thescan setting data, the user can update the setting window data 96 (seeFIG. 2) by clicking on the OK button 180.

In the case where scanning is to be executed, the user executes thefollowing operations. First, the user sets a document of a scanningsubject in the document tray 50 (see FIG. 1). Next, the user determinesthe desired scan setting data while looking at the display shown in FIG.5. As described above, the displayed contents of the file objects 102 a,112 a, 122 a, etc. are a reflection of the patterns of scan setting data108, 118, 128, etc. The user can determine the desired scan setting datawhile looking at the file objects 102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc. For example,in the case where scanning will be executed utilizing “color 600dpi”,the user can copy the file object 122 a to any location outside thedisplay area 206 a (for example, to the desktop). FIG. 6 shows how thisis performed. Moreover, like FIG. 3, etc., FIG. 6 is based on Explorer(file management software) included in Windows (registered trademark) ofthe Microsoft corporation. When the user has performed the copyoperation, the multi-function device 40 executes a precise scan of thedocument set in the document tray 50, and creates scan data. The PC 10is capable of displaying a scan file object 222 a that corresponds tothe scan data at a copy destination. The displayed contents of the scanfile object 222 a depend on the scan data. The scan file object 222 ahas an address 224 that is identical with an address 124 of the fileobject 122 a.

Commands sent from PC

The data displayed in the PC 10 when the user executes operations hasbeen described in detail. Next, the commands sent from the PC 10 to themulti-function device 40 will be described in detail. As describedabove, the PC 10 and the multi-function device 40 are capable ofcommunicating utilizing the WebDAV protocol. Various types of commandsare utilized in the WebDAV protocol. Below, some commands relating tothe present embodiment will be described. Moreover, the “POST command”below is not a communication command of the WebDAV protocol, but is anHTTP communication command. The other commands are communicationcommands of the WebDAV protocol.

FIG. 7 shows operations that the user has performed on the PC 10, andcommands that are sent from the PC 10 to the multi-function device 40 inaccordance with those operations.

(1) In the case where the folder object 206 shown in FIG. 3 is doubleclicked on, a PROPFIND command including the address “scanner” is sentto the multi-function device 40.

(2) In the case where the file object 92 a shown in FIG. 3 is doubleclicked on, a GET command including the address “scanner/settings.html”is sent to the multi-function device 40.

(3) In the case where the OK button 180 (see FIG. 4) of the scan settingwindow 150 is clicked on, a POST command including the address“scanner/settings.html” is sent to the multi-function device 40.

(4) In the case where any of the file objects 102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc.shown in FIG. 5 has been copied from the display area 206 a to anotherlocation, a GET command including the address “scanner/file name” andthe address of the copy destination is sent to the multi-function device40. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, a GET command including theaddress “scanner/color 600dpi.jpg” is sent to the multi-function device40.

Processes Executed by Multi-Function Device

Next, the contents of processes executed by the multi-function device 40will be described in detail. The processes below are executed by the CPU54 (see FIG. 1) of the multi-function device 40.

Main Process

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a main process. The CPU 54 monitors whethera request (command) has been made from the PC 10 (S10). In the case ofYES in S10, the process proceeds to S12. In S12, the CPU 54 determineswhether the request from the PC 10 is the PROPFIND command. In the caseof YES in S12, the CPU 54 executes a PROPFIND process (S14). In the caseof NO in S12, the CPU 54 determines whether the request from the PC 10is the GET command (S16). In the case of YES in S16, the CPU 54 executesa GET process (S18). In the case of NO in S16, the CPU 54 determineswhether the request from the PC 10 is the POST command (S20). In thecase of YES in S20, the CPU 54 executes a POST process (S22).

In the case of NO in S20, the CPU 54 determines whether the request fromthe PC 10 is another command (S24). In the case of YES in S24, the CPU54 executes a process in accordance with the command (S26). In the caseof NO in S24, the CPU 54 creates an error response (S28). In this case,the CPU 54 executes a process to send the error response to the PC 10(S30). Moreover, in the case where S14, S18, S22, and S26 have beenexecuted, the CPU 54 sends a response in S30 that has been created ineach of the respective processes.

PROPFIND Process

The PROPFIND process of S14 of FIG. 8 will now be described. FIG. 9shows a flow chart of the PROPFIND process. The CPU 54 determineswhether the address included in the PROPFIND command is “scanner” (S40).That is, it is determined whether a PROPFIND command corresponding to(1) of FIG. 7 has been received. In the case of NO in S40, the CPU 54creates another type of response that corresponds to the PROPFINDcommand (S52). In the case of YES in S40, the CPU 54 deletes, from thefolder storage area 60, the thumbnail image files 102, 112, 122, etc.(see FIG. 2) that have the folder address “scanner” of the folder 90(see FIG. 2) as the superior address (S42).

Next, the CPU 54 causes the scan device 48 (see FIG. 1) to execute apre-scan (S44). The scan device 48 thus pre-scans document mounted inthe document tray 50 (see FIG. 1). This pre-scan is a color scan.Further, the pre-scan is executed utilizing a resolution that has beendetermined in advance (100 dpi, for example). As shown in FIG. 5, etc.,the file objects 102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc. have differing image sizes.Although this will be described in detail later, the image size dependson the resolution of the scan setting data 108, 118, 128, etc. In thepresent embodiment, the highest resolution is 1200 dpi (see FIG. 4). Asa result, the file object that corresponds to the 1200 dpi scan settingdata has the largest image size. The resolution of the pre-scan is setto a size capable of creating this largest image size (and is set to thelowest possible value). Consequently, it is possible to create thumbnailimage data of all sizes by reducing the image data obtained by means ofthe pre-scan (below, this may be termed “pre-scan data”). The pre-scandata obtained by means of the pre-scan is stored temporarily in thestorage area 62 (see FIG. 1).

Next, the CPU 54 creates thumbnail image data from the pre-scan data(S46). As described above, the plurality of patterns of scan settingdata designated by the user in the scan setting window 150 is stored inthe setting window data 96 (see FIG. 2). The CPU 54 obtains theplurality of patterns of scan setting data by reading the setting windowdata 96. The CPU 54 creates thumbnail image data that corresponds toeach of the plurality of patterns of scan setting data. For example, inthe case where there are two patterns of scan setting data, namely color100 dpi, and black and white 300 dpi, small size color thumbnail imagedata and large size black and white thumbnail image data are created.The greater the resolution 154 (see FIG. 4) of the scan setting data,the greater the vertical and horizontal size of the thumbnail imagedata. In the present embodiment, the thumbnail image data thatcorresponds to 1200 dpi scan setting data is largest in size.Conversely, the thumbnail image data that corresponds to 100 dpi scansetting data is smallest in size. Further, the color number of thethumbnail image data corresponds to the color number 156 (see FIG. 4) ofthe scan setting data. Black and white thumbnail image data is createdin the case of black and white scan setting data, gray thumbnail imagedata is created in the case of gray scan setting data, and colorthumbnail image data is created in the case of color scan setting data.As described above, the pre-scan is executed by means of a color scan.As a result, color pre-scan data exists. The CPU 54 creates black andwhite or gray thumbnail image data by converting the color pre-scan datainto black and white, or into gray.

As described above, there are six patterns of scan setting data in theexample of FIG. 4. In the case of this example, six items of thumbnailimage data are created in S46. That is, the following items of thumbnailimage data are created: small size gray thumbnail image data, small sizecolor thumbnail image data, medium size gray thumbnail image data,medium size color thumbnail image data, large size gray thumbnail imagedata, and large size color thumbnail image data. Moreover, the CPU 54also creates thumbnail image data of the file format 152 designated bythe user. In the case of the example of FIG. 4, the JPEG file format 152was designated, and consequently JPEG format thumbnail image data iscreated. As a result, in the case where two or more file formats havebeen designated, thumbnail image data of two or more types of fileformat are created.

Next, the CPU 54 creates thumbnail image files that correspond to thethumbnail image data created in S46 (S48). For example, in the case ofthe example of FIG. 4, six items of thumbnail image data have beencreated. In this case, six thumbnail image files are created in S48.That is, the same number of thumbnail image files is created as thenumber of patterns of scan setting data. Below, the contents of S48 willbe described in detail using as an example the creation of a thumbnailimage file having the following pattern of scan setting data: fileformat 152 is JPEG, resolution 154 is 100 dpi, and color number 156 iscolor (below, this pattern of scan setting data is termed a“predetermined pattern of scan setting data”).

First, the CPU 54 creates a file address. The file address includes acharacter string to which the scan setting data is reflected. Forexample, in the case of the predetermined pattern of scan setting data,the CPU 54 creates the file address “color 100dpi.jpg”. Moreover, thisfile address has the folder address (see the folder 90 of FIG. 2)“scanner” as the superior address. That is, the actual file address is“scanner/color 100dpi.jpg”. The CPU 54 stores an association of thecreated file address, the thumbnail image data created in S46, and thepredetermined pattern of scan setting data (JPEG, 100 dpi, and color) inthe folder storage area 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The thumbnail image fileis thus created.

The CPU 54 creates the thumbnail image files corresponding to the otherpatterns of scan setting data (the other thumbnail image data created inS46) in the same manner as in the above example. A plurality ofthumbnail image files is thus stored in the folder storage area 60.

The CPU 54 creates a response (S50) including property information ofthe thumbnail image files created in S48. Specifically, the CPU 54creates a response including the file address and the thumbnail imagedata of the thumbnail image files. For example, in the case of theexample of FIG. 2, responses are created that include the file address104 and the thumbnail image data 106, that include the file address 114and the thumbnail image data 116, and that include the file address 124and the thumbnail image data 126. Moreover, the file address 94 of thesetting window file 92 is included in these responses.

The responses created in S50 are sent to the PC 10 (see S30 of FIG. 8).The PC 10 can thus recognize that the subordinate files 92, 102, 112,122, etc. of the folder 90 are present. As a result, the PC 10 candisplay the file objects 92 a, 102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc. (see FIG. 5).The displayed contents of the file objects 102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc.depend on the thumbnail image data 106, 116, 126, etc. That is, fileobjects (for example, 122 a) that correspond to high resolution scansetting data have a large image size (a pre-scan image), and fileobjects (for example, 102 a) that correspond to low resolution scansetting data have a small image size. Further, file objects (forexample, 102 a) that correspond to color scan setting data have a colorimage, and file objects (number omitted) that correspond to black andwhite scan setting data have a black and white image.

GET Process

The GET process of S18 of FIG. 8 will now be described. FIG. 10 shows aflow chart of the GET process. The CPU 54 determines (S80) whether anaddress included in the GET command exists in the folder storage area 60(see FIG. 1). In the case of NO in S80, the CPU 54 creates an errorresponse (S82). In the case of YES in S80, the CPU 54 determines whetherthe address included in the GET command is “settings.html” (S84). Thatis, it is determined whether a GET command corresponding to (2) of FIG.7 has been received. In the case of YES in S84, the CPU 54 creates aresponse (S86) that includes the setting window data 96. This responseis sent to the PC 10 (see S30 of FIG. 8). As a result, the PC 10 candisplay the scan setting window 150 (see FIG. 4).

In the case of NO in S84, the CPU 54 determines whether the addressincluded in the GET command is “scanner/file name” (S88). That is, it isdetermined whether a GET command corresponding to (4) of FIG. 7 has beenreceived. In the case of NO in S88, the CPU 54 creates another type ofresponse that corresponds to the GET command (S94). In the case of YESin S88, the CPU 54 executes precise scanning (S90) in accordance withthe scan setting data associated with the file address included in theGET command. For example, in the case where the address included in theGET command is “scanner/color 600dpi.jpg”, the CPU 54 executes precisescanning in accordance with the scan setting data 128 (see FIG. 2). Thatis, the CPU 54 orders the scan device 48 (see FIG. 1) to executescanning based on the scan setting data 128. In this case, the scandevice 48 executes a 600 dpi color scan of the document mounted in thedocument tray 50 (see FIG. 1), and creates JPEG format scan data.

Next, the CPU 54 creates a response that includes the scan data createdin S90 (S92). This response is sent to the PC 10 (see S30 of FIG. 8). Asa result, the PC 10 can obtain the scan data, and can display the scanfile object 222 a (see FIG. 6). Although a detailed illustration isomitted, the user can display the scan data by double clicking on thescan file object 222 a.

POST Process

The POST process of S22 of FIG. 8 will now be described. FIG. 11 shows aflow chart of the POST process. The CPU 54 determines (S100) whether anaddress included in the POST command exists in the folder storage area60 (see FIG. 1). In the case of NO in S100, the CPU 54 creates an errorresponse (S102). In the case of YES in S100, the CPU 54 temporarilystores the data received with the POST command (mainly setting data) inthe storage area 62 (S104). Next, the CPU 54 determines whether theaddress included in the POST command is “settings.html” (S106). That is,it is determined whether a POST command corresponding to (3) of FIG. 7has been received. In the case of YES in S106, the CPU 54 updates thesetting window data 96 (see FIG. 2) of the setting window file 92 to thereceived scan setting data (the data stored temporarily in S104) (S108).The plurality of patterns of scan setting data designated by the user isthus stored as the setting window data 96 in the folder storage area 60.When S108 ends, the CPU 54 creates a response (S110) showing that thePOST process has been executed.

The multi-function device system 2 of the present embodiment has beendescribed in detail. The multi-function device 40 of the presentembodiment can store a plurality of patterns of scan setting data 108,118, 128, etc. (see FIG. 2). For each of the plurality of patterns ofscan setting data that the multi-function device 40 is storing, themulti-function device 40 creates the thumbnail image data 106, 116, 126,etc. (see S46 of FIG. 9) to which the patterns of scan setting data arereflected. For example, color thumbnail image data is created in thecase of color scan setting data, black and white thumbnail image data iscreated in the case of black and white scan setting data, and graythumbnail image data is created in the case of gray scan setting data.Further, thumbnail image data is created in a size that corresponds tothe resolution of the scan setting data. This thumbnail image data issent to the PC 10. As a result, the PC 10 can display the file objects102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc. that correspond respectively to the thumbnailimage data. By looking at the file objects 102 a, 112 a, 122 a, etc.,the user can easily understand the contents of the plurality of patternsof scan setting data 108, 118, 128, etc. stored by the multi-functiondevice 40. With the present embodiment, the contents of the plurality ofpatterns of scan setting data 108, 118, 128, etc. stored by themulti-function device 40 can be presented to the user in a format thatis easily understood. The user can execute a precise scan in accordancewith desired scan setting data by copying the file object (122 a, forexample) that corresponds to that scan setting data to a differentlocation. The user can thus obtain scan data that was created by meansof the precise scan.

Further, the multi-function device 40 creates the plurality of thumbnailimage data 106, 116, 126, etc. by executing the pre-scan one time on thedocument. Since pre-scanning is not executed multiple times, it ispossible to shorten the time needed to create the thumbnail image data106, 116, 126, etc.

A part of technique disclosed in the abode embodiments is describedbelow. An image forming device may be a scanner or may be a printer. Inthe case where the image forming device is a scanner, the preview imagecreation device may create, for each pattern of scan setting data storedin the setting data storage device, a preview image to which the patternof scan setting data is reflected by executing a pre-scan upon adocument. That is, the scanner may create preview images to which thepatterns of scan setting data that the scanner is storing are reflected.These preview images are provided to a user. With this technique, thecontents of the plurality of patterns of scan setting data stored in thescanner can be provided to the user.

A preview image creation device may create the plurality of previewimages by executing a pre-scan corresponding to each of the plurality ofpatterns of scan setting data. For example, in the case where there isblack and white scan setting data and color scan setting data, twopre-scans (a black and white pre-scan and a color pre-scan) may beexecuted. Alternatively, the preview image creation device may createthe plurality of preview images by executing one pre-scan upon thedocument. Since it is not necessary to execute a plurality of pre-scansin this case, the time for creating the preview images can be decreased.For example, in the case where there is black and white scan settingdata and color scan setting data, only the color pre-scan needs to beexecuted. In this case, a color preview image can be created frompre-scan data obtained by means of this pre-scan, and a black and whitepreview image can be created by converting the pre-scan data into blackand white.

In the case where the image forming device is a scanner, the scanner mayfurther comprise the following configuration. The scanner may furthercomprise a scan device that executes a precise scan upon the document inaccordance with the pattern of scan setting data corresponding to thepreview image selected from among the plurality of preview images outputby an output device. The user can select any preview image to which thepattern of scan setting data is reflected from among the plurality ofpreview images output by the output device. “Selection” may be executedutilizing various methods. For example, in the case where a plurality ofpreview images is displayed by a display device of the scanner, thepreview image may be selected by touching the display device (i.e. thedisplay device is a touch panel). Further, the preview image may beselected by operating an operation device (for example, operation keys)of the scanner. Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of previewimages is sent to another device, the preview image may be selected inthat device. With this configuration, a precise scan can be executed inaccordance with a pattern of scan setting data selected based on theplurality of preview images.

An information processing device and an image forming device may becommunicably connected to construct a system. The image forming devicemay be capable of sending a plurality of preview images to theinformation processing device.

The information processing device and the image forming device may becapable of performing communication utilizing a file sharing protocol.For example, the information processing device and the image formingdevice may be capable of performing communication utilizing the WebDAV(Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) file sharing protocol. TheWebDAV protocol is a protocol supported by Windows (registeredtrademark) of the Microsoft corporation.

The image forming device may create a file having an association of afile address, setting data, and thumbnail image data (preview imagedata), and may store this file.

The image forming device may store a predetermined folder address. Thefile address of the aforementioned file may be created such that thepredetermined folder address is its superior address.

In the case where a property obtaining command including thepredetermined folder address has been received from the informationprocessing device, the image forming device may send a thumbnail imageof the file having the predetermined folder address as its superioraddress to the information processing device. In the case of the WebDAVprotocol, the property obtaining command is a PROPFIND command.

The image forming device may be capable of receiving an obtainingcommand sent from the information processing device. In the case of theWebDAV protocol, the obtaining command is a GET command.

The image forming device may be capable of receiving a data storageinstruction command sent from the information processing device. In thecase of HTTP, the data storage instruction command is a POST command.

The image forming device may comprise a device for inputting informationspecifying a pattern selected by the user from among the plurality ofpatterns of scan setting data. The scanner may execute a precise scan inaccordance with the pattern of scan setting data selected by the user.

The present embodiment has been described in detail above, however thisis simply an illustration. The specific example illustrated above can bemodified and changed in various ways. Examples of modifications to thepresent embodiment are given below.

(1) A file sharing protocol other than the WebDAV protocol may beutilized. For example, an SMB (Server Message Block) protocol may beutilized.

(2) An information processing device other than the PC 10 may beutilized. The information processing device may be any type of device aslong as it is capable of communication utilizing a file sharing protocoland has at least a display device. For example, a portable telephone, aportable music reproduction device, a PDA, etc. may be utilized.

(3) The scan setting data 108, 118, 128, etc. may be input to themulti-function device 40 by operating the operation device 42 (seeFIG. 1) of the multi-function device 40.

(4) The multi-function device 40 may display the thumbnail image data106, 116, 126, etc. in its display device 44 (see FIG. 1). In this case,the multi-function device 40 may allow the user to select one item ofthumbnail image data by operating the operation device 42, and mayexecute the precise scan in accordance with the scan setting datacorresponding to the selected thumbnail image data.

(5) The above embodiment can also be applied to creating a preview imageto which print setting data is reflected, and providing this to theuser. In this case, the multi-function device 40 stores a plurality ofpatterns of print setting data (consisting of a plurality of settingitems, such as for example paper size, paper orientation, etc.). Themulti-function device 40 creates, for each of the plurality of patternsof print setting data, a preview image to which the print setting datais reflected. The multi-function device 40 sends the preview images tothe PC 10. The user can select the desired preview image (print settingdata) in the PC 10. The multi-function device 40 executes a printingprocess in accordance with the selected print setting data.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scanner comprising: a scan device; a storagedevice configured to store a plurality of patterns of scan setting data,and a plurality of preview image files corresponding to the plurality ofpatterns of scan setting data; and a controller configured to execute:causing the scan device to perform a pre-scan so as to obtain pre-scandata from the scan device; creating, using the pre-scan data, theplurality of preview image files corresponding to the plurality ofpatterns of scan setting data stored in the storage device, wherein ineach of the plurality of preview image files, a corresponding pattern ofscan setting data among the plurality of scan setting data is reflected;storing the created plurality of preview image files in the storagedevice in a manner in which the plurality of preview image files areviewable by an external device via a network; receiving, from theexternal device via the network, an acquisition request for one previewimage file which is selected from among the plurality of preview imagefiles; causing the scan device to start performing a precise scan whenthe acquisition request is received from the external device via thenetwork, so as to create a precise scan image file in which a pattern ofscan setting data corresponding to the one preview image file among theplurality of patterns of scan setting data is reflected; and sending thecreated precise scan image file to the external device via the network.2. The scanner as in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured toreceive the acquisition request from the external device using a filesharing protocol, and wherein the controller is configured to send theprecise scan image file to the external device using the file sharingprotocol.
 3. The scanner as in claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to receive the acquisition request from the external devicewhen a copy of the one preview image file from the scanner to theexternal device is instructed by a user of the external device.
 4. Thescanner as in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to furtherexecute: receiving a view request for files in the storage device fromthe external via the network, wherein the controller is configured tocause the scan device to start performing the pre-scan when the viewrequest is received from the external device.
 5. The scanner as in claim1, wherein the controller is configured to cause the scan device toperform a single pre-scan so as to obtain the pre-scan data from thescan device.
 6. The scanner as in claim 1, wherein the plurality ofpatterns of scan setting data includes: a first pattern of scan settingdata including a first scan resolution; and a second pattern of scansetting data including a second scan resolution which is higher than thefirst scan resolution, and wherein the plurality of preview image filesincludes: a first preview image file which reflects the first pattern ofscan setting data and represents a first preview image; and a secondpreview image file which reflects the second pattern of scan settingdata and represents a second preview image which has a larger verticaland horizontal size than the first preview image.
 7. The scanner as inclaim 1, wherein the plurality of patterns of scan setting dataincludes: the first pattern of scan setting data indicating amonochrome; and a second pattern of scan setting data indicating acolor, and wherein the plurality of preview image files includes: afirst preview image file which reflects the first pattern of scansetting data and represents a first preview image which is a monochromeimage; and a second preview image file which reflects the second patternof scan setting data and represents a second preview image which is acolor image.
 8. One or more non-transitory computer readable mediastoring computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one ormore processors of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to: perform apre-scan so as to obtain pre-scan data from a scan device; create, usingthe pre-scan data, a plurality of preview image files corresponding to aplurality of patterns of scan setting data, wherein in each of theplurality of preview image files, a corresponding pattern of scansetting data among the plurality of scan setting data is reflected;store the created plurality of preview image files in a manner in whichthe plurality of preview image files are viewable by an external devicevia a network; receive, from the external device via the network, anacquisition request for one preview image file which is selected fromamong the plurality of preview image files; cause the scan device tostart performing a precise scan when the acquisition request is receivedfrom the external device via the network, so as to create a precise scanimage file in which a pattern of scan setting data corresponding to theone preview image file among the plurality of patterns of scan settingdata is reflected; and send the created precise scan image file to theexternal device via the network.
 9. The one or more non-transitorycomputer readable media of claim 8, wherein the computer-executableinstructions cause the apparatus to: receive the acquisition requestfrom the external device using a file sharing protocol; and send theprecise scan image file to the external device using the file sharingprotocol.
 10. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media ofclaim 8, wherein the computer-executable instructions cause theapparatus to receive the acquisition request from the external devicewhen a copy of the one preview image file from the apparatus to theexternal device is instructed by a user of the external device.
 11. Theone or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 8, whereinthe computer-executable instructions, when executed, further cause theapparatus to: receive a view request for files in a storage device ofthe apparatus from the external via the network, wherein thecomputer-executable instructions cause the scan device to startperforming the pre-scan when the view request is received from theexternal device.
 12. The one or more non-transitory computer readablemedia of claim 8, wherein the computer-executable instructions cause thescan device to perform a single pre-scan so as to obtain the pre-scandata from the scan device.
 13. The one or more non-transitory computerreadable media of claim 8, wherein the plurality of patterns of scansetting data includes: a first pattern of scan setting data including afirst scan resolution; and a second pattern of scan setting dataincluding a second scan resolution which is higher than the first scanresolution, and wherein the plurality of preview image files includes: afirst preview image file which reflects the first pattern of scansetting data and represents a first preview image; and a second previewimage file which reflects the second pattern of scan setting data andrepresents a second preview image which has a larger vertical andhorizontal size than the first preview image.
 14. The one or morenon-transitory computer readable media of claim 8, wherein the pluralityof patterns of scan setting data includes: the first pattern of scansetting data indicating a monochrome; and a second pattern of scansetting data indicating a color, and wherein the plurality of previewimage files includes: a first preview image file which reflects thefirst pattern of scan setting data and represents a first preview imagewhich is a monochrome image; and a second preview image file whichreflects the second pattern of scan setting data and represents a secondpreview image which is a color image.